Headlands School hosts Big Lunch for Eden Project

Action for Children’s Headlands School in Penarth has hosted a Big Lunch with the Eden Project to launch the school’s Nature Learning Centre.

The school has embedded animal husbandry and outdoor vocational work into its philosophy and curriculum. Over the past 18 months, the school has acquired alpacas, chickens, ducks and a companion dog with students actively involved in all aspects of their care – from feeding the animals to building and maintaining their living areas.  The animals have proved very popular with students, with the grounds being constantly improved to provide a safe and comfortable space for interaction.

The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project made possible by The National Lottery and headline sponsors Iceland and The Food Warehouse with the teacher overseeing the animals and outdoor project, David Gillingham, adding: “As we formally open our Nature Learning Centre, we wanted to host a Big Lunch to celebrate.  The Eden Project have been very supportive and were the perfect partners to mark this occasion.

‘Students have reacted really well to the programme and the radically different learning environment.  They have been involved at all stages of the project and as a result have learned so many skills and shown such commitment because it is connected to something real and tangible.  Learning in this way has not only helped them to develop new skills but has really enhanced their confidence to build positive relationships and wellbeing as learners.”

Lowri Jenkins, Wales Manager, Eden Project Communities, added: “It was a great privilege to join Headlands School’s Big Lunch the other day. They are a great school, who are doing so much to support their students. The Big Lunch was a great chance for staff, students, family members, and the local community to connect over some food, and it’s definitely the first Big Lunch I’ve been to a lunch that featured alpacas and goats!”